Natives, newcomers should try to get along

Friday

Jun 29, 2007 at 12:01 AM

Editor, the Record:

Editor, the Record:

It saddens me to see us, true Americans, not uniting to face the issues of the community, while worrying about trivial matters. Does it really matter what part of the United States we come from? God forbid if a foreign country dropped a bomb here, we would come together for the sake of camaraderie.

People moving here deserve the right to raise their children in a safer environment. You have to respect them for that. They are willing to drive or bus themselves two or three hours a day in order to accomplish that. Rather than mocking them for not knowing how to live in the country, we should teach them what rural communities are all about. Teach them how to fish, hunt, and can their own foods. How to perform common household repairs. It's important to get involved in local government offices instead of building fences between them and us. It's important to say "hello" and "how are you today" and show courtesy in driving on local roads. More people bring about more problems like schools, a local police department, more fire and emergency volunteers to help keep our community safe. Our small towns were built by the hard work of our parents. Don't let that all go to waste by turning a blind eye to natural growth.

A woman once wrote in a letter to the editor, "we're here, so get used to it." That's the wrong approach. Newcomers can learn a lot from the locals, just give them a chance. Do it by being friendly and not thinking you know it all. It's harder to live in the country than living in a city. The sooner we work together and build a better community, the sooner things will run much smoother. Please be a friendly neighbor.

ROGER LEMAR Sr.

Effort

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